CHAPEL HILL – Chapel Hill’s relationship with our neighboring community was misportrayed in “Durham crime crosses over into Chapel Hill,” published March 6 in The Daily Tar Heel. Although I recognize that this UNC student newspaper is a laboratory for student journalism, the article reflected poor editorial judgment.
The article perpetuated an old and untrue story of Durham being an unsafe community. Crime is a problem everywhere, and it is being addressed by our communities working together, not by pointing fingers. The issue deserves a serious and thorough examination that respects the complexity and dynamism of our respective communities.
Over the last decade, Durham has engaged in an impressive downtown revitalization effort. Its national accolades speak to an exceptional city that has become a significant regional contributor. Like Chapel Hill, they are committed to green development, have a vibrant food scene, tout nationally recognized arts venues, and are consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the country.
Durham is a great place to live, work, and play. In fact, it is such a unique community that I appreciate that it offers a level of competition to Chapel Hill. That is why I take every opportunity to jab Durham when I can, and to make sure when people think of the Triangle, they think of Chapel Hill first. But I also recognize that Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham will necessarily fail or succeed together.
Modern Chapel Hill is what it is, in large part because we share our region with forward thinking, dynamic, and innovative neighbors who add value to our economy and quality of life. We are a productive partnership. Chapel Hill’s relationship to Durham will remain strong as this innovative city continues to garner our respect and admiration.
–Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt
Town of Chapel Hill
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